Author: Autumn

At OttLite, we don't just make great crafting lamps. We are crafters and artists, too, and we love to share what we're working on with you!I'm currently working on this baby blanket. It's actually one of three baby blankets I have to finish before August. Seems like everyone I know right now is expecting this Fall!I used Lion Brand Yarn's "Pound of Love" yarn in crisp white. The pattern is a modified version of Lion Brand's "Recycled Cotton Earth Baby Afghan." The original pattern called for 5 [Read More...]

MJ Bailey is the creator of the super-popular amigurumi website, Nerdigurumi.com. She is also a administrative professional, mother to a "nerdy rock n' roll" teenager, and a crochet pattern designer.When did you start to crochet? Is it true you started crocheting because of a videogame?I started crocheting successfully in the fall of 2009. I had attempted to crochet on a few occasions prior to that, but struggled with various aspects of the basic concepts and techniques and usually gave up. As [Read More...]

We at OttLite are honored that so many of you have shared your special craft projects with us. Christening and prayer shawls, baby blankets, DIY wedding decorations, special occasion handmade cards, and more.This particular project came to us through the mail. Not email--the old-fashioned post office kind of mail. We were so touched by the story that we wanted to share it with all of you.Joyce from Dade City wrote that this memory quilt is made of blood donor T-shirts her husband had accumulated [Read More...]

Here's a pretty project from the people at Martha Stewart.com. Upcycle a solo pillowcase into a stylish shoulder bag!Sleeper of a Bagfrom MarthaStewart.comGive an orphaned pillowcase a new home -- over your shoulder.1. Trim 1/4 inch off the closed end, and cut the case in half on the diagonal. Turn the fabric of each of the four diagonal cut edges over by 1/4 inch, twice; pin, and hem.2. Place one pillowcase half inside the other, lining up bottom edges; pin, and sew at front where fabrics [Read More...]

We fell in love this crafter's blog right from the home page. Carolyn's homework has a subtitle we just couldn't resist. Today's assignment: be inspired. How perfect is that?This upcycle project starts with a regular glass water bottle and turns it into a charming vase. The perfect addition to a side table near a breezy window, or, as Carolyn suggests, DIY wedding decorations.Upcycled Lace Water BottleWhat You Need:a glass water bottlelace (recycle old curtain lace or purchase at your local [Read More...]

Cathy Clark is a multi-crafter; she knits, sews and makes jewelry. She’s also a big fan of OttLite, and we’re glad she is! It was her amazing knitting that we first noticed, and so she shared with us a little bit about how she became a knitter, what kinds of projects she loves to make, and a funny tip for beginning knitters.When did you start knitting? Who taught you?I started knitting about two years ago. I watched a lot of videos online and went to a local knitting store for help.What made you [Read More...]

Cleopatra: A LifeStacy Schiff Back Bay Books, paperbackIf you like strong female heroes, love stories, treachery and espionage and ultimately, betrayal, this is for you. If you also like biographies that are as well-researched as they are well-written, this is definitely for you!Cleopatra is finally given justice with this artful re-telling of her life. She wasn't traditionally beautiful, but she knew how to put on a good show. She was intelligent, refined, and so wealthy she must have made the [Read More...]

Jane Davies is a full time artist working in collage, painting, mixed media and encaustics. She offers workshops at her studio and nationwide, focusing on helping people to find a personal and playful approach to creating. She is the author of several books, including Collage Journeys: A Practical Guide to Creating Personal Artwork and Adventures in Mixed Media: Collage, Stitch, Fuse, and Journal Your Way to a More Creative Life. We caught up with Jane to ask her about her work and her creative [Read More...]

How many old T-shirts do you have in your closet? How about your dresser drawer--the one you never open for fear of a printed-cotton tee explosion? Yeah, we thought so. T-shirts are kind of like those fuzzy Tribbles from the original Star Trek. You get one at a marathon or a concert and it seems harmless, but the next thing you know you've got dozens of them filling up random drawers, spare closets, and boxes marked TO DONATE.So, what to do with all your past-prime T-shirts? If you're [Read More...]